Cabot Citrus Farms, located in Brookville, Fla., is a golf developer’s dream with its prehistoric ridge, rolling topography, and sandy soil. World Woods, which opened in the early 1990s with two acclaimed public courses, had deteriorating playing conditions leading to its Pine Barrens course falling off the list of America’s 100 Greatest Courses. After years of seeking to acquire the property, Ben Cowan-Dewar finally purchased it in 2021, giving his Cabot resort and real estate empire its first U.S. offering.
The Karoo course at Cabot Citrus Farms, designed by Kyle Franz, has transformed the existing Pine Barrens course into a unique design style known as “adventure golf.” Franz has strategically reversed playing corridors and incorporated double fairways on eleven holes, with the 18th featuring a triple fairway. With fairways over 100 yards wide in some areas, players are challenged to think differently while still maintaining a classical architectural style.
The Karoo course at Cabot Citrus Farms offers players a modern trend of pushing width and options, with “super width” fairways providing strategic challenges through large, exposed sand hazards that split playing areas. Choosing the ideal side of the fairway can lead to an easier approach shot, enhancing the overall strategic gameplay experience. This design approach by Franz aims to engage players in a new and exciting way while staying rooted in classical architecture principles.
Kyle Franz’s meticulous remodeling of North Carolina Sandhills courses such as Mid Pines, Pine Needles, and Southern Pines demonstrates his expertise in course design. The Karoo course at Cabot Citrus Farms reflects Franz’s innovative and creative design style, offering players a unique and challenging golfing experience. Franz’s attention to detail and strategic layout choices have created a course that challenges players to think differently and approach each shot with precision.
The partnership between Ben Cowan-Dewar and Kyle Franz has resulted in the successful transformation of the Pine Barrens course at Cabot Citrus Farms into the Karoo course. Franz’s innovative design concepts paired with Cowan-Dewar’s vision for the property have created a one-of-a-kind golfing experience in the U.S. The collaboration between the two has brought new life to the property, attracting golfers from around the world to experience the Karoo course and the stunning natural surroundings of Cabot Citrus Farms.
Overall, the opening of the Karoo course at Cabot Citrus Farms marks a significant milestone for Ben Cowan-Dewar’s Cabot resort and real estate empire. The successful acquisition and transformation of the property into a world-class golf destination have solidified Cabot’s reputation as a premier golf destination in the U.S. With Kyle Franz’s innovative design and strategic layout choices, the Karoo course offers a unique and challenging golfing experience that will captivate players of all skill levels. Visit Cabot Citrus Farms to experience the beauty and excitement of the Karoo course for yourself.
